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In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of social-emotional learning (SEL) in schools. Social-emotional learning refers to the skills, attitudes, and values that enable students to understand and manage their emotions, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. School libraries are uniquely positioned to support social-emotional learning by providing students with access to diverse resources and creating a safe and welcoming environment. Below are just a few examples that explore how we can foster a sense of belonging in school libraries through inclusive practices for social-emotional learning. This blog is meant as an introduction, but if you would like to learn more about embedding SEL in the library, please consider listening to my podcast episode with School Librarians United, read my article with Perspectives in Reading, or try out activities with Microsoft Flip outlined in my blog article here. Barriers to Inclusion in School Libraries Before we can explore strategies for fostering a sense of belonging in school libraries, it is important to understand the barriers that can prevent students from feeling included. Barriers can include:
2 Strategies for Identifying Barriers
Ideas for Supporting Social-Emotional Learning in the School Library Offer Diverse and Culturally Relevant Resources One of the most effective ways to support social-emotional learning in school libraries is by offering a range of resources that represent diverse perspectives and experiences. This includes books, resources, programming, how we display books, book recommendations, and even pictures on flyers that celebrate different cultures and traditions and perspectives. By providing access to diverse and culturally relevant resources, school libraries can help students develop empathy, respect, and a deeper understanding of themselves and others. Tip: Consider collaborating with a local community group or cultural organization to bring in guest speakers or to organize events that celebrate diversity and inclusion. Here is an example of my monthly program planner that helps me plan out these events. Student-Led Programming Another way to embed SEL in your school library is through student-led programming. We have a Student Library Board that assists and leads in all aspects of our program. I have seen SEL supported through:
Tip: Use your MakerSpace to coordinate student-interest based MakerCare (or Compassionate Making) programs. For example, we sew blankets for cancer patients with our health care students and our volunteer students sew 'Huggers' for children in domestic abuse shelters to help ease their worries. Create Safe and Welcoming Spaces School libraries can support social-emotional learning by creating safe and welcoming spaces where students feel comfortable and supported. This might include designating a quiet area for students who need to take a break or practice mindfulness, or creating a cozy reading nook with comfortable seating and soft lighting. By creating a safe and welcoming environment, school libraries can help students feel valued and supported in their emotional and social development. Tip: Create a sensory corner with comfortable beanbag chairs and soft lighting for students who need a quiet space to relax and regroup. Include activities like coloring or puzzles as a way to help students de-stress and unwind. Here is a list of items we have in our mindfulness corner. Collaborate with Other Departments Instructional Partnerships are an essential part of any school library program, so consider partnering with other school departments to promote social-emotional learning. This might include collaborating with the counseling department to offer resources on stress management or working with the art department to create displays that celebrate diversity and inclusion. Tip: Consider hosting an art show or display for Women's History Month that showcases how we perceive empowerment or host a poetry slam for Black History Month and collaborate with your English classes on how poetry has been a powerful tool for expression in the Black community. Host a book club with the counseling department or collaborate with the technology department to create a social media campaign that promotes positivity and kindness. Build Relationships with Students Finally, the most crucial in fostering a sense of belonging and embedding SEL is building relationships with students. Library staff should make an effort to get to know each student and understand their individual needs and interests. This can help students feel valued and supported, and can create a sense of belonging in the library. Tip: Train the library staff might on how to ask students about their favorite books or hobbies, or create a suggestion box where students can request specific resources or programs. We have added a 'Tell us your pronouns' and 'please disturb the librarian' signs. Conclusion Fostering a sense of belonging in school libraries through inclusive practices is essential for promoting social-emotional learning and creating an inclusive environment where all students feel safe, supported, and valued. By implementing strategies such as book clubs, collaborative efforts, support for mental health, and MakerCare activities, school librarians can provide students with opportunities to connect with peers, express themselves, and build a sense of belonging in the school community. By identifying and addressing barriers to inclusion, collaborating with teachers and counselors, and implementing successful initiatives, school librarians can create safe spaces for students to learn and grow, and support their social-emotional well-being. Through these efforts, we can foster a culture of inclusivity, promote social-emotional learning, and ensure that all students have the support and resources they need to thrive in school and beyond. Further ReadingAdams, J. M. (2019). Supporting Social Emotional Learning in the Library. Library Technology Reports, 55(2), 1-42.
García, E. E. (2021). Leading with equity: How librarians can support inclusive social-emotional learning practices. School Library Journal. Retrieved from https://www.slj.com/?detailStory=leading-with-equity-how-librarians-can-support-inclusive-social-emotional-learning-practices Kaplan, L. S. (2019). The role of the school library in promoting social emotional learning. Knowledge Quest, 47(3), 10-15.
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Let's create and celebrate a nation of diverse readers. For Read Across America, let's look at inclusive texts that share our nation's greatest quality - diversity and inclusivity.  Are you a school librarian or teacher? Take and tweak the poster above for your needs
New Orleans grew on me this week! It's amazing what a week of networking with passionate educators, trying amazing food, and sparking ideas to help your school will do for you. FETC 2023 was the best one yet!
From presenting on and advocating for creativity in schools, to learning new strategies for professional learning, to exploring New Orleans, this past week has been one for the books! Here are some of my takeaways:
Did you go to FETC? I'd love to hear your biggest takeaway in the comments! Keep scrolling for more resources from the week. My Presentations at FETC
*Made with Adobe Express. Learn more about Adobe Express here!
FETC Mega Share (from Eric Curts)
Click here for direct access.
When I taught computer science with 2nd graders, I absolutely loved Hour of Code. It was a time of year where I could get every teacher on board with coding with easy, beginner level lessons using Hour of Code's website. It was (and is still) one of my favorite programming events for the library. This was about 8 years ago now, and I think I have grown in my understanding of computer science and the many ways we need to think about it's embedded nature in our lives, the good and the not so good.
My approach to Hour of Code now is not just an introduction to coding in a fun way, but also a way to open conversations to the larger impact of computer science education. The ways computer science and technology are applied in our daily lives, in the real world, is a crucial aspect of learning CS. We need to be able to help students understand the challenges or problems people face around the world and inspire this generation to think deeply about the ways CS can help in solving those problems in order to create a more equitable and sustainable world. If you also believe in the idea that with great power comes great responsibility, I hope you'll join me in a cross-over of Teaching the SDGs and Hour of Code this week for Computer Science Week! This week can help empower students to be a source of positive change as they think about the ethical responsibilities surrounding computer science. Let's help them to think critically about how CS can solve problems on a deeper and larger scale. The Padlet below is linked to activities for the Hour of Code (or longer) you can adapt for the different SDGs. It is collaborative, so if you have additional activities or ideas, please share for the collective good. Our library is the heart of the school, figuratively and literally. With two main floors and 6 different entrances, I often feel like I am managing my own two floor Barnes and Noble. It occurred to me after our first year managing a library at a STEM academy that I needed to change how we display books and engage our students more. Between our Student Library Board, my amazing para, and myself, we were able to revamp different elements of our readers advisory program and our displays. This has led to over 100% increase in our book checkouts this year compared to last year (including physical and virtual books). The main changes we've made:
I'm going to write a series of blogs that explain the changes we've made. This particular post will focus on something you can take and implement TOMORROW. Just plug in your own books or QR codes to Sora and you're ready to go. I have always offered read-a-likes through natural conversations and our social media channels, but we've just amped up how we use them to do displays. Read-A-Likes and Curated Book List Templates
Are you looking for a Banned Books Week lesson for 2022?
Here is a self-paced lesson for middle and high school students:
Or share the Top 10 most challenged books directly with students:
Previous Lessons What is a #Fliphunt?Originally created by the wonderful Kathi Kersznowski, #Fliphunts are a digital scavenger hunt using Flip! You create tasks and then students complete the tasks by creating video responses on Flip. There are so many ways to adapt this for back to school introductions, content in the classroom, or even professional learning. How do I get started?
What would this look like in Flip? Here's an example I just setup for our library orientation this year.
What considerations should I take into account when creating the #Fliphunt?
Do you have templates to help me?Yes. Yes, I do! Feel free to take and tweak for your needs. Just make sure to attribute correctly when sharing with others. 😉 I hope you have fun making your own #Fliphunt, friends! If you have questions or ideas to share, I'd love to hear. Drop them below!  
Hi!
Our school year starts back in just two short weeks, and I am so excited! Even though I'm excited, I still get nervous about juggling all of the back to school needs and wants that each new school brings. If this is you as well, I hope this page of resources helps.
New School Librarian? Start Here!
Are you a new school librarian? I created this handbook for new school librarians in Georgia as part of our mentorship program for Georgia Library Media Association, but the overall ideas are good for any new school librarian.
TLDR Before initiating changes: - Learn the school - Learn your admin - Set goals Create a Library Services Menu
Build Relationships
Engaging with your new learning community is the most essential thing you can do at the beginning of the year. Whether it's your first year, tenth, or twentieth, your staff and students need to be reminded of how you care for them and that the library is the heart of the school.
Connecting with Staff One of the ways I do this for staff is through fun little conversation starters at the beginning of the year for staff. I print off my library services menu and share a little gift with teachers during our back to school staff meeting, in their boxes, or hand deliver them depending on the time.
Connecting with Students
Establishing a safe, supportive environment is the first step to building connections with students. Using our social media and signage goes a long way! We also have a Student Library Advisory Board who help advocate for the library to other students through their student-run programming and book clubs. Set Goals
I spend time getting to know our school and district goals for the year and having an upfront conversation with my principal about their needs for the year. Once I have those established, I work to align our library goals and plans to meet their needs. I also do a needs assessment with staff regarding professional learning and meet with our Student Library Advisory Board at the beginning of the year to get to know what they want to do or plan for the year as well. Using the Georgia School Librarian Evaluation Instrument, Future Ready Librarians Framework, and the ISTE Standards for Students, I align my goals between best practice and the needs of my community.
Tip: If you use Microsoft, I keep a journal/portfolio of support with OneNote! One other item I use in planning and setting goals is my Library Program Planner. This helps me with MakerSpace challenges and community programs throughout the year. Get the templates below! Make Time for You
My biggest piece of advice is to make time for you and your development as well. It's easy in a service oriented profession to feel like you're always on and school librarians are the worst at actually taking a lunch break. I carve out time in my day for lunch and administrative tasks during the week so that it's intentional.
My favorite way to spend lunch is reading or listening to an episode of the School Librarians United Podcast. Have fun!
Don't forget to have fun! We have the best job in the world!
You don't have to try everything and you're not going to be able to make big changes overnight. Focus on learning three new things for the year and the needs of your community. Do you have additional ideas or resources? Share them with us below!
If you have any questions or want to reach out, feel free to connect with me on Twitter or Instagram!
Have an awesome school year!
How Do We Celebrate Read Across America in Secondary?Let's create and celebrate a nation of diverse readers. For Read Across America, let's look at inclusive texts that share our nation's greatest quality - diversity and inclusivity. This year, we are celebrating with themed days, highlighting trending topics with our students. Our Student Library Advisory Board will also host a reading panel discussing the inclusivity of modern YA titles available to youth. We can't wait to change the narrative on Read Across America to become more inclusive and represent the many backgrounds and cultures of our students.  Are you a school librarian or teacher? Take and tweak the poster above for your needs
Let's make learning research skills fun!
Students in 9th grade English classes are working on argumentative writing. In order to apply what they are learning through this unit, students are creating public service announcements on a social issue of their choosing. To help facilitate this project, I created a Hyperdoc to supplement what our English teachers are including in their classrooms. This helps us all have the same language when communicating. During the first ten minutes of class, we analyzed political cartoons about social media in pairs. Students had to first analyze what they think the picture is portraying and then convince their partner why they are correct in their analysis. Afterwards, students came back to whole group to share out their experience in trying to convince their partner with little evidence. It was a great conversation starter! Then, we introduced the Hyperdoc and how to access Opposing Viewpoints, ProCon.org, etc. to begin building their argument for their PSA topic. We also gave an introduction to how to access and create within Adobe Creative Cloud Express, specifically creating a PSA video. Was it a lot to pack into one lesson? Yes. Was it worth it so we could all be on the same page before starting the Hyperdoc? Also, yes. If you have not checked out Adobe Creative Cloud Express (previously Adobe Spark), it's the best. It allows for equitable access to video creation tools, allows for collaboration on a video, and is so easy to share when it's finished. Want to learn more, I'd love to chat with you or you can try it out at express.adobe.com. Check out the Hyperdoc below and make your own copy. |
Martha BongiornoSchool Librarian Advocating for Student Voice in Metro Atlanta 
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